In 2006 Andrew was awarded first place in the Inaugural Queensland Law Society Criminal Law Accreditation Course.

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Andrew’s experience and reputation is such that he is consistently referred work from a number of top tier commercial based firms, other professional firms and individuals.

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Andrew has over 40 years experience working in the area of criminal and quasi criminal (including traffic law) defence.

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Andrew commenced employment as an Articled Clerk with a law firm in Brisbane in 1980.  In 1984 he commenced working in the Public Defender's office where he remained for 10 years working solely in the area of criminal defence.

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Andrew then worked in private practice for 15 years in Brisbane and Cairns, continuing to undertake criminal defence, including advocacy on behalf of clients charged with serious criminal offences and also quasi criminal matters including traffic offences.

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In 2009 Andrew and his wife returned to Brisbane where Andrew commenced the law practice McGinness & Associates, specialising solely in the areas of criminal and statutory defence.

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Andrew has experience representing clients charged with the full spectrum of criminal offences ranging from traffic matters through to murder.  Andrew has appeared as a Solicitor Advocate in hearings in the Magistrates Court and at sentence and bail hearings before the District and Supreme Courts. Andrew has represented clients and instructed Counsel at appeal hearings before the Queensland Court of Appeal and the High Court.  He has appeared as a Solicitor Advocate at numerous Coronial Inquests.

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Andrew also has experience in representing clients the subject of either investigation or charges brought pursuant to other Federal or Queensland statutes. Andrew has an intimate knowledge of the following statutes:

 

1. Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999;

2. Local Government Act 2009;

3. Liquor Act 1992;

4. Coroner’s Act 2003.

 

Andrew continues to represent clients in relation to investigations or proceedings brought pursuant to the above statutes.

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Andrew is a well known and respected figure amongst his legal peers.  He has presented many papers at Queensland Law Society Seminars and Continuing Legal Education conferences attended by other lawyers practising in criminal law.